Wrist alarm for children

ABSTRACT

A wrist alarm for a child which includes a housing dimensioned to be worn on the wrist of the child. A band is attached to the housing for securing the alarm to the wrist of the child. A timing mechanism is mounted within the housing and includes a spring system operable to be wound by rotation of a shaft. The shaft extends through the upper portion of the housing into a recess. Indicia are provided on the face of the housing which are representative of incremented time intervals. A key is provided for possession by an adult and includes end structure for connection to the shaft. The key may be turned to rotate the shaft to wind the spring system and set the timing mechanism for a predetermined time interval. An alarm is disposed within the housing and is operable by the timing mechanism after the predetermined time interval to alert the child. The system is constructed so that only an authorized adult in possession of the key can set the alarm for the predetermined time interval, thereby preventing tampering with the device by the child.

I United States Patent [191 Winkler 2' WRIST ALARM FOR CHILDREN 7 [75] Inventor: Robert J. WinklenSan Clemente, Calif.

[73] Assignee: Long Mile Rubber Company, Dallas,

Tex.

[22] Filed: Dec. 18, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 315,940

521 U.S. Cl. sat/57,5 51] int. Cl. G04b 23/12 [58] Field of Search 58/38, 39.5, 57.5, v 58/74, 16

[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,864,443 12/1958 Niemand....;... 58/395 "".*:":i:: FQREIGN. PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 1,105,840 12/1955 France 58/16 Primary Examiner-George H. Miller, Jr. Attorney-D. Carl Richards et a1.

w r ist alarm for a child which includes a housing di [45] July'24, 19'73 ABSTRACT mensioned to be worn on the wrist of the child.'A band is attached to the housing for securing the alarm to the wrist 0f the child. A timing mechanism is mounted within the housing and includes a spring system operable to be wound by rotation of a shaft. The shaft extends through the upper portion of the housing into a recess. Indicia are provided on the face of the housing which'are representative of incremented time intervals.

A key is provided for possession by an adult and includes end structure for connection to the shaft. The key may be turned to rotate the shaft to wind the spring system and set the timing mechanism for a predetermined time interval. An alarm is disposed within the housing and is operable by the timing mechanism after the predetermined time interval to alert the child. The system is constructed so that only an authorized adult in possession of the key can set the alarm for the predetermined time interval, thereby preventing tampering with the device by the child.

17 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEU M24975 FIG 2 FIG: 4

l WRIST ALARM FOR CHILDREN FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to time alarms, and more particularly relates to a time alarm which may be set to notify a child of the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

THE PRIOR ART Most parents have experienced difficulties in insuring that their children return home from play at a specified time. A need has thus long existed for an alarm device which may be worn by the child and which generates an audible alarm or the like when it is time to return home. Such a device must be essentially tamper-proof to eliminate the possibility of the child resetting the alarm mechanism. Moreover, such a device must be rugged in nature and easily set by the parent or other adult in charge of the child. Previously developed watches having alarm systems have thus not been satisfactory for the above purpose, as such alarms may be easily reset by the child and because such watch alarms are relatively expensive and are not sufficiently rugged in construction to withstand rough wear. Moreover, such previously developed. wrist alarm watches have been relatively difficult to set and have contained timing capacity not required for operation as a childs alarm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a time alarm for a child includes a housing for being worn by the child. A timing mechanism is provided within the housing and includes a spring mechanism operable to v be wound to provide a selected time interval. Structure is accessible only to an authorized person for winding the spring mechanism to provide the selected time interval. An alarm in the housing is operable in response to. the terminationof the selected time interval to notify the child. I I

' Inaccordance' with another aspect of the invention, a time alarm includes a housing dimensioned to be carried by a child. A timing mechanism is connected within the housing and includes a spring for being woundby rotation by a shaft extending from the timing mechanism. A face is mounted over'the top of the housing and includes indicia representative of time intervals'less than 12 hours. The upper portion of the housing has a recessed portion therein, and the shaft extends through the face and extends within the recessed portion below the upper portion. A key has an end structurefor receiving the shaft, wherein rotation of the key winds, the spring. The key may then be positioned relative to the indicia to determine the desired time interval. An alarm within the housing is energized bythe timing mechanism" after the desired time interval.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the time alarm; and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the time alarm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the wrist time alarm 10 of the invention is illustrated. Alarm 10 includes a cylindrical housing 12 having brackets 14 and 16 for attachment to straps 18 which are dimensioned to fit on the wrist of a child. While a two-piece strap 18 is illustrated, it will of course be understood that a one-piece flexible band could alternatively be utilized.

A transparent upper member 20 is disposed over the top of the housing 12 and includes a recess 22 in the center thereof. A shaft 24 extends within the recess 22. Indicia 26 are printed upon a face to be later described and may be seen through the transparent upper member 20. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia 26 comprise the numerals l 4 and represent the incremented time intervals of 4 hours. It will be understood that the timing range provided by the device may be varied, but due to the nature of the device as a timing device for children, the time interval will generally be less than 12 hours and preferably will be within 1 to 5 hours.

A key 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in position to be inserted over the end of the shaft 24. The key 30 is specially constructed to receive the end of the shaft 24, and the key 30 is maintained in the possession of an authorized adult. The key 30 is utilized to wind the timing mechanism within the housing 12 and to set the timing interval desired. After winding of the device and setting of the time interval, the key 30 is retained by the adult so that the child will not be able to tamper with the timing mechanism; The key 30 includes a pointer 32.

In operation of the device, the key 30 is inserted over the end of the shaft 24, and the key 30 is rotated clockwise to preload one rotation in the timing spring of the timing mechanism. The degree of clockwise rotation of the shaft 24 is proportional to the desired timing range and alarm sounding interval of the device. After preloading the timing mechanism, the key 30 is then rotated in a counter-clockwise manner until the pointer 32 points at the time interval desired. The key 30 is then removed, and the wrist time alarm 10 is worn by the child until the predetermined time interval expires; at which time an alarm is sounded in order to notify the child that the time period is up. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm ringing interval ranges from 3 to 5 seconds. The device may thus be used to notify the child when it is time to come home after a play period or to indicate to the child that it is time to go to a lesson, run an errand or the'like. Due to the fact that the shaft 24 is disposed within the recess 22, tampering with the device by the child is inhibited.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the construction of the key 30. In the preferred embodiment, a relatively ornate top portion 34 is provided in order that the key may be easily located. The bottom portion of the key 30 includes the pointer 32 which is rigidly formed with the body of the key. An insert member 36 is rigidly attached toIthe end of the key 30 and includes an aperture 39 dimensioned to receive the end of the shaft 24. Rotation of the key 30 then rotates the shaft 24 in the desired manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the wrist-worn time alarm 10. The housing 12 includes the brackets 14 and 16 rigidly mounted on opposite sides thereof for connection to a wristwatch strap or band. The housing 12 has a recess 40 thereon dimensioned to receive the timing mechanism 42. The recess 40 includes semicylindrical extensions 44 which are shaped to fit reces ses 46 in the timing mechanism in order to securely attach the timing mechanism 42 in the housing 12.

The timing mechanism 42 comprises a standard center axis wound timing mechanism with a 4-hour capacity. Specifically, the timing mechanism 42 comprises a spring on the lower portion thereof connected through a system of gears to shaft 24. Rotation of the shaft 24 for approximately one revolution winds the spring. Further rotation of the shaft 24 then determines the exact time interval desired. At the end of the predetermined time interval, the timing mechanism 42 actuates an alarm also included in the timing mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, this alarm comprises a vibrating clapper which is normally maintained stationary. At the end of the time interval, the clapper is released and vibrates against the housing 12 to generate an audible alarm. Of course, it will be understood that other types of audible alarms could be utilized. Further, if desired, a vibrating clapper could be extended to extend through the housing to vibrate against the skin of the wearer. The timing mechanism 42 is mounted between two metal plates 50 and 52 and may comprise any one of a number of suitable spring-wound timing and alarm systems. An example of a time mechanism which has been found to work well in practice is the time alarm sold by' HZMS. Heddernheimer Netallwaren, Fabrik A.G., Werkfluorn, Germany or the Raxo-Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland.

Still referring to FIG. 3, a face 54 comprises a plastic cylinder having raised indicia 26 formed thereon. In addition to the indicia 26 representative of the time intervals provided by the timing device, the trademark of the device may also be embossed upon the face. An aperture 56 is defined through the face for receiving the shaft 24. The transparent upper member 20 comprises a transparent circular member having a rounded upper portion and also having the recess 22 defined therein. An aperture 60 is also defined through the transparent upper member 20. The indicia 26 may thus be seen through the transparent upper member 20 and the recess 22 tends to inhibit tampering with the-shaft 24.

.FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the timing alarm system and illustrates how the timing mechanism ,42 is interfitted within the recess 40. FIG. 4 also illustrates the spring mechanism 64 of the timing mechanism 42 which is disposed below the plate 50. The

face 54 is disposed directly over the plate 52 of the timing device 42 and is connected over the top of the housing 12 by adhesive or by metallic fastening members or the like. The shaft 24 extends through the aperture 56 of the face 54. The transparent upper member is disposed over the face 54 and is connected thereto by adhesive or by suitable metallic fastening members or the like. The shaft 24 extends within the recess 22 defined in the transparent upper member 20. As the shaft 24 extends within recess 22, the end of the shaft 24 does not scratch the child nor catch on the child's clothing during play.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a unique timing and alarm device which may be worn by a child. Although the present device is being illustrated as a wrist-worn alarm, it will be understood that the device could also be attached to the clothing of the child or otherwise worn. A unique advantage of the present device is that an authorized adult may retain the key 30 and may selectively set the desired time interval in the device. The adult is thus able to super vise the duration of the play periods by the child without direct intervention. The use of the'device thus not only enables a degree of control over the childs activities, but serves as a useful technique for teaching self reliance and self discipline to the child. Due to the rug ged and simple nature of the construction of the device, the timing and alarm device may withstand a substantial amount of rigorous activity by the child.

Whereas the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended to encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A time alarm for a child comprising:

a housing for being worn by a child,

a timing mechanism within said housing including a spring mechanism operable to be wound to provide a selected time interval, means accessible only to an authorized person for winding said spring mechanism to provide said se-.

lected time interval, and

alarm means in said housing operable in response to the termination of said selected time interval.

2. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said housing is circular and has a narrow width.

3. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said winding means comprises a key in the possession of said autho rized person and dimensioned to interfit with said timing mechanism.

4. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said alarm means comprises an audible alarm. I

5. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said timing mechanism provides less than a l2-hour timing interval.

6. The time alarm of claim 5 wherein said timing mechanism provides up to a 4-hour timing interval.

7. A time alarm comprising:

a housing dimensioned to be carried by a child,

a timing mechanism connected within said housing and including a spring for being wound by rotation of a shaft means extending from said timing mechamsm,

an upper portion mounted over the top of said housing and including indicia representative of a time interval less than twelve hours, said upper portion having a recessed portion therein,

said shaft means extending through said upper portion and extending within said recessed portion below said upper portion,

a key having end structure for receiving said shaft means, wherein rotation of said key winds said spring and wherein after winding of said spring said key may be positioned relative to said indicia to determine the desire time interval, and

alarm means within said housing for being energized by said timing mechanism after said desired time interval.

8. The time alarm of claim 7 and further comprising:

band means for securing said housing to the wrist of a child.

9. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said indicia represents a time interval of 4 hours.

10. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said key includes pointer means for being positioned relative to said indicia to determine the desired time interval.

11. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said alarm means comprises audible means for indicating to the child that the time interval has elapsed.

12. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said upper portion comprises:

a face having said indicia formedthereon, and I a transparent upper member mounted over said face,

said recessed portion formed in said upper member.

13. A wrist alarm for a child which may be set only by an authorized adult comprising:

a housing dimensioned to be worn on the wrist of a child,

band means attached to said housing for securing said housing to the wrist of a child,

timing means mounted within said housing and including a spring mechanism operable to be wound by rotation of a shaft,

said shaft extending through the upper portion of said housing,

indicia on the face of said housing representative of time,

a key possessed by an authorized adult and including structure for connection to said shaft, wherein said key may be turned to rotate said shaft to wind said spring mechanism and set said timing means for a predetermined time interval, and

alarm means within said housing operable by said timing means after said predetermined time interval to alert the child.

14. The wrist alarm of claim 13 wherein said key positions said shaft relative to said indicia to set the predetermined time interval.

15. The wrist alarm of claim 13 and further comprising pointer means on said key for being positioned relative to said indicia.

16. The wrist alarm of claim 13 wherein said indicia represent a time interval of less than 12 hours.

17. The wrist alarm of claim 16 wherein said indicia I represent 'a total time interval of 4 hours. 

1. A time alarm for a child comprising: a housing for being worn by a child, a timing mechanism within said housing including a spring mechanism operable to be wound to provide a selected time interval, means accessible only to an authorized person for winding said spring mechanism to provide said selected time interval, and alarm means in said housing operable in response to the termination of said selected time interval.
 2. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said housing is circular and has a narrow width.
 3. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said winding means comprises a key in the possession of said authorized person and dimensioned to interfit with said timing mechanism.
 4. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said alarm means comprises an audible alarm.
 5. The time alarm of claim 1 wherein said timing mechanism provides less than a 12-hour timing interval.
 6. The time alarm of claim 5 wherein said timing mechanism provides up to a 4-hour timing interval.
 7. A time alarm comprising: a housing dimensioned to be carried by a child, a timing mechanism connected within said housing and including a spring for being wound by rotation of a shaft means extending from said timing mechanism, an upper portion mounted over the top of said housing and including indicia representative of a time interval less than twelve hours, said upper portion having a recessed portion therein, said shaft means extending through said upper portion and extending within said recessed portion below said upper portion, a key having end structure for receiving said shaft means, wherein rotation of said key winds said spring and wherein after winding of said spring said key may be positioned relative to said indicia to determine the desire time interval, and alarm means within said housing for being energized by said timing mechanism after said desired time interval.
 8. The time alarm of claim 7 and further comprising: band means for securing said housing to the wrist of a child.
 9. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said indicia represents a time interval of 4 hours.
 10. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said key includes pointer means for being positioned relative to said indicia to determine the desired time interval.
 11. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said alarm means comprises audible means for indicating to the child that the time interval has elapsed.
 12. The time alarm of claim 7 wherein said upper portion comprises: a face having said indicia formed thereon, and a transparent upper member mounted over said face, said recessed portion formed in said upper member.
 13. A wrist alarm for a child which may be set only by an authorized adult comprising: a housing dimensioned to be worn on the wrist of a child, band means attached to said housing for securing said housing to the wrist of a child, timing means mounted within said housing and including a spring mechanism operable to be wound by rotation of a shaft, said shaft extending through the upper portion of said housing, indicia on the face of said housing representative of time, a key possessed by an authorized adult and including structure for connection to said shaft, wherein said key may be turned to rotate said shaft to wind said spring mechanism and set said timing means for a predetermined time interval, and alarm means within said housing operable by said timing means after said predetermined time interval to alert the child.
 14. The wrist alarm of claim 13 wherein said key positions said shaft relative to said indicia to set the predetermined time interval.
 15. The wrist alarm of claim 13 and further comprising pointer means on said key for being positioned relative to said indicia.
 16. The wrist alarm of claim 13 wherein said indicia represent a time interval of less than 12 hours.
 17. The wrist alarm of claim 16 wherein said indicia represent a total time interval of 4 hours. 